Short Summary

THE OBERSEE LAKE AT AROSA, IN SWITZERLAND, IS A POPULAR VENUE FOR MANY TYPES OF ICE EVENT.

Description

THE OBERSEE LAKE AT AROSA, IN SWITZERLAND, IS A POPULAR VENUE FOR MANY TYPES OF ICE EVENT. ONE OF THE MORE UNUSUAL IS HORSE RACING ON ICE.

HORSE RACING ON THE LAKE IS ONLY POSSIBLE IN WINTER, AS THE ICE HAS TO BE EXTRA THICK TO CARRY THE WEIGHT. THE HORSES ARE SPECIALLY SHOD WITH SHOES THERE IS VERY LITTLE SNOW LEFT ON THE TRACK. DESPITE THE PRECAUTIONS THERE ARE OCCASIONAL SPILLS - BUT NO MORE THAN IN TURF RACING IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

AROSA, IN THE CANTON DES GRISONS, IS A FAMOUS WINTER SPORTS CENTRE AND IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS CURATIVE PROPERTIES. THERE ARE SEVERAL SANITORIUMS FOR TUBERCULOSIS IN THE AREA.

HORSE RACING ON THE LAKE, WHICH FEATURES BOTH FLAT AND HURDLE RACES, IS A POPULAR ATTRACTION IN THE WINTER SEASON. THE HORSES ARE NORMALLY RIDDEN BY THEIR OWNERS - THE JOCKEY SYSTEM DOES NOT EXIST.

MANY YEARS AGO THE SWISS CAVALRY WAS MANNED BY FARMERS WHO TOOK THEIR OWN HORSES INTO THE ARMY WITH THEM.